5K, Baggo tournament to benefit 3-year-old cancer patient

It’s a support system Ray’s father, Justin, said has gone way beyond the average. “They consistently lift us up in support and prayers and they have donated extensively to our cause with food, toys, gifts and donations to both our fund and to Arkansas Children’s Hospital,” Justin Ray said. “...

A community 5K run/walk and baggo tournament is being planned for the 3-year-old who was diagnosed in May with Ewing's Sarcoma, a bone cancer found in children.

Melanie Baden, who is organizing the event with Stephanie Fischer and Bethany Hodges, said at least 300 people are expected to attend the overall event.

“Anytime a child is affected by illness, it affects us all,” she said, adding that it’s because of the relationships the child and his/her parents have formed within their community.

It’s a support system Ray’s father, Justin, said has gone way beyond the average.

“They consistently lift us up in support and prayers and they have donated extensively to our cause with food, toys, gifts and donations to both our fund and to Arkansas Children’s Hospital,” Justin Ray said. “They are our ‘home base’ for Prayer Warriors. We just ask for their continued support as we are in for approximately another year of treatment and surgery to cure her.”

Justin Ray said “The Bit” is doing great. “She just wrapped up her fifth chemotherapy treatment and recovery,” he added. “Her most recent MRI showed no additional growth of the tumor in her right leg (top of the femur) and CT scans show her lungs are clear of any visible cancer cells.”

Until cured, the organizers hope to help the Ray family out as much as possible whether through support or donations.

“We don’t have a set goal of how much money we’d like to raise,” Fischer said. “Any amount helps. Even with insurance, medical care is extremely expensive. And it’s not just hospital bills that add up.”

The Sept. 29 event will include three parts: A 5K Run/Walk starting at 8 a.m., followed by a baggo tournament as well as a “burgers and beverages throwdown” starting at 11 a.m.

5K Run/Walk

The run/walk is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. at the Stuttgart Stage, 507 S. Main St, with the turnaround point at Commercial Drive. The entry is $20 before and $25 the day of the race with a T-shirt included in the cost.

Baden said she would compare the race to Race for the Cure — the runners and walkers are not participating for a medal, but to help fight for a cure and show support.

Still, the three overall winners for both males and females will be awarded. For more information, call Baden at (870) 673-7001. Applications may be picked up at the Museum of the Grand Prairie or at the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce.

Page 2 of 2 - Baggo tournament

“Baggo, cornhole, bean bags — it has a lot of names, but whether you’re tailgating, at the river with your buddies or at any official tournament, it’s basically the same game, Fischer said, adding that she had kicked around the idea with her mother until the Stuttgart Young Professionals Network offered to help organize it.

“We play a lot of Baggo, and we know a lot of people that enjoy it, so we thought it would be a good idea to raise a little money and have a great time,” Fischer said.

The game pits two teams, each with two players, against each other. Fischer said team partners face each other from opposite boards placed about 20 feet apart.

“Each partner throws four bags during his or her turn … three points if the bag lands in the hole on the board, one point if it lands on the board. The team who scores 21 points first wins,” Fischer added.

Team check-in is from 10:30-11:30 a.m. with the tournament starting at noon. There is a $35 entry fee per two-person team, which goes up to $40 the day of the event. The entry fee includes two T-shirts.

“We would like as many teams as possible,” Fischer said. “The more teams, the more you get to play. And the more teams we have the more money we raise for an awesome little girl.”

For more information, contact Fischer at (870) 673-8533.

Burgers

Lunch will start at 11 a.m. at Mack’s Prairie Wings. “An awesome group of volunteers from our local banks will be serving up hamburgers,” Fischer said.

“We’ll be selling burgers, chips, beer, water and sodas. $10 gets you a great lunch for a great cause.”

Children’s tickets will be $5 for those under age 10. For more information, contact Hodges at (870) 673-1602 or any SPYN member.

“I would add that we invite anyone who wants to share in our experience and offer positive energy to like The Brooklyn Project on Facebook,” Justin Ray said.

Fischer said those who are unable to attend will still be able to help by making a donation to the Asher Ray Benefit Fund at any BancorpSouth location or dropping off donations to Fischer at the Stuttgart Daily Leader or Bethany Hodges at the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce.